famotidine - oral, Pepcid (cont.)

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking famotidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other H2 blockers such as cimetidine, ranitidine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: immune system problems, kidney problems, liver problems, lung problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), other stomach problems (e.g., tumors).Some symptoms may actually be signs of a more serious condition. Get medical help right away if you have: heartburn with lightheadedness/sweating/dizziness, chest/jaw/arm/shoulder pain (especially with shortness of breath, unusual sweating), unexplained weight loss.In addition, before you self-treat with this medication, get medical help right away if you have any of these signs of a serious condition: trouble/pain swallowing food, bloody vomit, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, bloody/black stools, heartburn for over 3 months, frequent chest pain, frequent wheezing (especially with heartburn), nausea/vomiting, stomach pain.This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.Do not use to treat children younger than 12 unless directed by the doctor.Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion.Famotidine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.Since famotidine reduces the amount of acid in your stomach, it may also change the absorption of certain medications and affect how they work. Some examples of affected drugs include atazanavir, dasatinib, delavirdine, certain azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), among others. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of the medications you take are affected by famotidine and how to manage this interaction.Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain aspirin or aspirin-like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) that can cause stomach irritation/ulcers. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor for more details.This medication and other H2 blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine) are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Do not take them at the same time.